The Market Revolution In The 1800's

The Market Revolution marked a period of time in the nineteenth century when new practices and ideas in America began taking shape, creating a lasting impact on the nation's economy. A shift in commerce allowed Americans to experience buying and selling goods at a national level, rather than relying on self-made products and goods. Although the Market Revolution may be seen as a movement that did little to change American society in terms of political and social policies, it proved to be an era where accessible transportation, an increase in population, and the idea of changing women's role in society marked a transformation in America.
Prior to the nineteenth century, trading took place face-to-face between people in local towns

and cities. A rapid change occurred once roads, canals and railroads were established. These new forms of travel allowed Americans to make their way across regions in a shorter amount of time. The practice of buying and selling goods was completely altered once Americans began trading with people from new locations. By the end of the eighteenth century, federal and state governments began funding for internal improvements, which, in turn, helped Americans shift from trading at a local or regional level, to trading at a national level.
The Erie Canal is regarded as one of the most substantial forms of transportation that enhanced American life. The canal reached from New York to the Great Lakes. Markets of the West could easily be accessed with the establishment of the Erie Canal. This allowed Americans, primarily those in the East, to create a stable trading relationship with the West. The steamboat, invented by Robert Fulton, assisted with travel along newly developed canals. The invention demonstrated the advancement that steam navigation had on transportation, and it also enabled quicker river travel.
Another invention contributing to easily accessible transportation was the turnpike. These roads were used to connect cities to neighboring towns. They were a way of smooth, direct routes, and were first privately built, but soon the government took responsibility over creating and maintaining them. Mirroring the turnpike’s purposes were that of the newly established railroads. Trains that ran on tracks became another remarkable asset to the nation. Railroads were a way of scheduled travel that took place year-round. Not only did they improve trade by allowing Americans to exchange goods with markets near and far, but they also granted people living in rural areas with the ability to travel to cities.
With the combination of these new forms of transportation, connectivity among different regions of the nation was made possible. The new system of commerce provided Americans with new products that would benefit their daily lives. Instead of personal consumption, average middle-class families now had the opportunity to receive a regular income, allowing for a dramatic change in lifestyle and an eagerness among Americans to continue trading at a national level.
Much like the Market Revolution, technology of the 21st century has greatly altered American life. Because of the advancements in today's society, communication between people has endured a substantial change. While accessible transportation aided in the establishment of new markets in the nation, it also changed the way in which people traded with one another. What was once solely local trading that took place in American society, quickly turned into trading at a regional and national level. The technology of the 21st century has allowed Americans with the opportunity not only to connect with different regions of the nation, but with people all around the globe. Between phones and the Internet, it is possible to contact almost anyone in the world. The Market Revolution breached a stepping stone in establishing connectivity among the nation, while the technology of today has established connectivity on a global level.
By the 1840's, the rapid growth in commerce and economic opportunity stimulated an increase in American population. Major cities began to flourish as a result of the increasing flow of people leaving behind farms and moving into cities. Because there seemed to be more attractions offered in cities than in rural areas, Americans made their way into places such as Boston and New York City in hopes of finding new jobs. In addition to the evolving population of Americans, immigrants began their journey into the nation. In an effort to explore new opportunities, Germans and Irelanders migrated to America and took on the role of bettering their lives in a free nation. Germans left their homelands to escape poverty, while Irelanders voyaged to America to avoid the oppressive rule of England and the poverty and disease caused by the potato famine.
While some Americans were pleased with the migration of foreigners, others were not. Many native-born Americans saw the diverse population as having a negative effect on the country. To some, foreigners were seen as incapable beings who lacked the ability to keep the country strong, and their willingness to work for low wages was thought to have been an act of stealing jobs from native-born Americans. Feelings of prejudice emerged during this period of time, resulting in several anti-immigration organizations, such as the Native American Association and the Know Nothing Party, which were developed to slow the immigration of foreigners.
Although many Americans despised foreign emigration, industrialists and employers found that a large supply of cheap labor would be helpful in improving the economy. Additionally, because there were an abundance of immigrants, many would move to western regions and aid in territorial expansion. The establishment of markets for land and goods further west would, once again, improve American commerce and trading.
America, the land of the free, is looked upon today by other countries as as a prospering nation providing great economic opportunity.

For many, America has becoming a refuge for immigrants fleeing social, political, or economic struggles. Countries that are incapable of providing their citizens with the means necessary to fulfill a stable life tend to flee toward America. Today, the nation acts almost as a dumping ground for foreigners. As well, many locations in the United States have become ghost towns, whereas major cities are becoming overpopulated. People are migrating into areas where they see future economic opportunity. In looking at this, a great comparison can be seen between the population boom of the Market Revolution and the population of today's nation.
In the early 1800's, women were seeking jobs either inside or outside of the home as they took upon the role of providing for their families. While men were normally the main breadwinners of middle and upper-class families, women still made an impact, either by sewing, knitting, or routinely assisting their husband with agricultural labor or privately owned businesses. By the mid nineteenth-century, however, the role of women drastically changed into what is known as the Cult of Domesticity. Instead of assisting with family income, women played a limited role in

society.
The sphere between women and men became extremely distinct. Women were to obey the rules of piety, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity. They were no longer allowed to have jobs, and their primary purpose in life was to stay at home and take care of their children. It was crucial that women stay pure, abide by religion, and obey their husband's wishes. These morals were to create a True Woman who would leave the topics of business and commerce up to men. Instead of the home being a center for production, it became a location completely separate from the outside world.
The many changes that occurred throughout the early to mid-nineteenth century proved to have a dramatic impact on the nation's society. The way in which people traded in an ever-growing diverse nation and the increasing distinction between private and public spheres signified a transformation in America. A stimulation of connectivity among the expanding nation, along with the overall shift in commerce ultimately drove Americans into a pattern that, up until this point in time, had never quite been seen before.